June 19 1931—March 26, 2015
Peacefully holding his daughter’s hand, Hal died at 6:23 am on March 26, 2015 at the age of 83. Hal’s illness was just long enough for him to say goodbye to his family and many friends. The youngest of three born to Axel and Georgina Carlson, Hal grew up in Burnaby and was close to his Aunt Nell and cousins. Predeceased by his cherished brothers Bob and Harry. Hal married Kathy in 1952 where they had Tony (Tina), Tim (Donna), Mary and Karin. They lived in California where Hal had a Chevron Station and was active in Kiwanis. 
The family moved back to Victoria in 1966 and he worked in construction until 1983, when he became the Business Agent for the Painters and Allied Trades and worked until his retirement at 62. Kathy and Hal parted ways in 1981, but remained life-long friends and allies, right up to his death. Hal was an avid reader, a loyal father and friend and committed to making the world a better place. He believed all people deserved to be treated with dignity, receive fair wages and share in the wealth of this great country, and took whatever steps were necessary, including arrest on the picket line and subsequent jail time to fight for what he believed in. While a business agent, Hal become lifelong friends with Art Glass and Andre Pel and other “Brothers”—Ivan, Chris, Al, and Gary –whom he had coffee with twice a week for the last twenty years, and who visited him daily in the hospital. “Gumpy” loved his grandkids—Kate, Rachel, Seamus, Mallory Erik (Lauren), Wade (Sarah), Timothy (Emma), and their mother Michelle. Hal and Patty Mason were together the last 21 years. He was a loving support to Patty’s children Jenny and Jessica (Karl) and to her grandchildren Connor and Meghan. Hal had a big and loving heart and had plenty of love to go around. He loved Patty’s family especially her sister Annie (Greg) and Patty’s extended network of girlfriends, which he aptly dubbed the “Happy Gang.” All of our lives were enhanced by his kindness, humor, loyalty, and compassion. He taught us above all, never to shy away from standing up for what is right and how a society treats its weakest member is the measure of its worth.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date–details to be published here in the weeks to come. Special thanks to the wonderful staff of North 4 at the Patient Care Centre for their tender and supportive care of Dad and of us. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
31 Responses
My sincere condolences to the entire Carlson Family. Hal was an absolutely awesome guy always smiling and always had a story.
His dedication to the labour movement was unparalleled, and his support for the New Democrats was appreciated by all.
Leslie Ivens
So sorry to hear about the loss of Hal, we will always remember Hal as having a smile on his face and a practical joke on the way.. Hal was a true trade unionist ..and I’m sure he will be wanting to chair his next meeting,,,,
Very sad news to hear about Hal. We will all miss him, his humour and great wit, but we will never forget the lessons he taught us over the years about standing up – bless him for that.
Hal will be sorely missed by all of us, he was one of a kind and he was very lucky to have such a wonderful family and extended family. Our condolences to the family.
Ivan and Irene
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences on the passing of Hal Carlson.
As a long time supporter of the New Democratic Party, Hal demonstrated strong commitment and dedication to efforts that promoted social democracy. He did whatever he could to advance issues that would make a difference in peoples’ lives in the province of British Columbia and Canada as a whole.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this time on behalf of my staff, the Official Opposition and myself.
Sincerely,
Rob Fleming, MLA
Victoria – Swan Lake
Hi Patty and Family,
My condolences to your and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sincere condolences for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill travelled around Halifax and Cape Breton during a pension convention with Hal and were lifelong mates. Hal was a strong union man and believed everyone deserved “a fair go”. There’s not many like him and he will be sorely missed. We live in Queensland, Australia and sorry we couldn’t attend Hal’s service .
Mary and family- I am so sorry for you all with the loss of your dad.
Lorrainne
I didn’t have the privilege of spending alot time with Hal, but would frequently see him in his car waiting to pick up Patty from work, or occassionally accompanying her to a work gathering. Hal would send Patty the most gorgeous flowers (which we all got to enjoy) and Patty always had the nicest things to say about him, his family & friends. He was always quick with a smile and a compliment – he was so kind and full of fun. You have all been so blessed and fortunate to have had such a wonderful shining light in your lives. After reading this lovely tribute, I’m sure Hal knew he was equally as blessed. An exemplary life. Bye Hal xo